Helmet assembly

ABSTRACT

A helmet assembly comprising a helmet shell, a fit system detachably coupled to the helmet shell, and a retention system coupled to the helmet shell independent of the fit system. The fit system is configured to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer&#39;s head. The retention system is configured to retain the helmet shell on the wearer&#39;s head and to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer&#39;s head when the fit system is removed from the helmet shell. The retention system may include a stabilizer configured to extend in a circumferential direction about a rear portion of the wearer&#39;s head to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer&#39;s head. The stabilizer may couple segments of the retention system together so as to restrict separation of the segments from each other.

FIELD

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to helmet assemblies, and more particularly to helmets employing retention and/or fit adjustment systems.

BACKGROUND

Individuals at risk of exposure to trauma to the head (e.g., soldiers, emergency responders, law enforcement officers, military personnel, etc.) may wear protective headgear, such as a helmet, to protect the wearer against head injury. For example, in modern combat, military helmets are used to withstand high-impact ballistics. For some applications, it may be desirable to mount one or more accessories, such as a visor, illuminator, camera, video recorder, laser pointer, communications device, identification friend or foe (IFF) device, optical system, or other item(s), to one or more regions of a helmet to aid the helmet wearer in the performance of duties while in the field.

Protective helmets may be provided with a retention and/or fit adjustment system to retain and stabilize the helmet on the wearer's head. Such systems are particularly desirable for military combat helmets to ensure the helmet remains relatively stable on the wearer's head while performing physically demanding tasks. Stability can become an even greater concern when accessories are mounted to the helmet which increases the overall weight and can affect the balance of the helmet on the wearer's head. In some cases, retention and stabilization are provided by a strap harness system that combines retention with an adjustable fit in a single integrated system.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a helmet assembly comprises a helmet shell, a fit system detachably coupled to the helmet shell, and a retention system coupled to the helmet shell independent of the fit system. The fit system is configured to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head. The retention system is configured to retain the helmet shell on the wearer's head. The retention system includes a stabilizer configured to extend in a circumferential direction about a rear portion of the wearer's head to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head when the fit system is removed from the helmet shell.

According to another aspect, a method is provided for adjusting a helmet assembly to a wearer's head. The helmet assembly includes a helmet shell, a fit system detachably coupled to the helmet shell, and a retention system coupled to the helmet shell independent of the fit system. The fit system is configured to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head, and the retention system is configured to retain the helmet shell on the wearer's head. The retention system includes a stabilizer configured to extend in a circumferential direction about a rear portion of the wearer's head to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head when the fit system is removed from the helmet shell. The method comprises acts of (a) removing the fit system from the helmet shell, and (b) wearing the helmet assembly without the fit system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Aspects of the invention are described below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals reference like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a helmet assembly;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the helmet assembly of FIGS. 1-2 illustrated being worn on a wearer's head;

FIG. 4 is an exploded, front perspective view of the helmet assembly of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a retention system of the helmet assembly of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a fit system of the helmet assembly of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 7 is a partial bottom view of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating an embodiment of an adjustable mounting arrangement for the front portion of the fit system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial bottom view of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating an embodiment of an adjustable mounting arrangement for the rear portion of the fit system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an exploded, partial rear perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustment mechanism for the fit system of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is an exploded, partial front perspective view of the adjustment mechanism for the fit system of FIGS. 6 and 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, front view of the adjustment mechanism for the fit system of FIGS. 6 and 9-10;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating the retention system of FIG. 5 and the fit system of FIG. 6 mounted to the helmet;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating the fit system of FIG. 6 detached for removal from the helmet;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating the fit system of FIG. 6 being removed from the helmet; and

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the helmet assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating the retention system of FIG. 5 mounted to the helmet and the fit system of FIG. 6 removed from the helmet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that aspects of the invention are described herein with reference to certain illustrative embodiments and the figures. The illustrative embodiments described herein are not necessarily intended to show all aspects of the invention, but rather are used to describe a few illustrative embodiments. Thus, aspects of the invention are not intended to be construed narrowly in view of the illustrative embodiments. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may be used alone or in any suitable combination with other aspects of the invention.

Various embodiments are described in connection with a helmet assembly, such as a military combat helmet. However, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and may be employed with other types of helmets, particularly helmets suitable for high impact activities. For ease of understanding, the helmet assembly is described in connection with a military combat helmet, which may be a ballistic or non-ballistic helmet.

The present disclosure relates to helmet assembly retention and fit systems that provide stability to the helmet assembly relative to the head of the wearer.

The present disclosure also relates to retention and fit systems having the ability to be incorporated into a number of different types of helmet assemblies. In some embodiments, the retention and fit systems are particularly suited for use with military helmets or other helmets suited for high impact activities.

When helmet assemblies including retention and fit systems described herein are worn, the systems may provide and maintain stabilization between the head of the wearer and the rigid shell that forms a protective barrier around the head. Applicant has appreciated that, at times, when using a visual accessory such as night vision goggles or a helmet-mounted display, a wearer of certain helmet assemblies may experience motion sickness due to movements of the visual accessory. In particular, pitch and yaw rotations of the helmet on the head of a wearer may cause movements of the visual accessory relative to the wearer's eye(s). For instance, when a wearer of a helmet equipped with a night vision camera looks through the lens of the camera and engages in routine maneuvers, due to the weight of the helmet and/or equipment, there may be a tendency for the helmet to move or rotate in a manner that moves the visual equipment relative to the wearer's eye(s), leading to motion sickness and/or decreased effectiveness of the visual equipment.

Wearers of helmet assemblies equipped with retention and fit systems in accordance with the present disclosure may be less prone to suffer motion sickness or other types of discomfort during use due to stability provided by the retention and fit systems. Stability may be particularly beneficial in helmet assemblies that incorporate additional features (e.g., electronics, optics, eyewear, etc.) that add weight to the helmet or apply torque to the wearer. Without the stability provided by aspects of the present disclosure, during use, the helmet assembly may be subject to undesirable movement during use (e.g., bounce, rotation, pitch, and yaw).

A helmet assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure may include a helmet shell, a fit system detachably coupled to the helmet shell, and a retention system coupled to the helmet shell independent of the fit system. The fit system may be configured to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head, and the retention system may be configured to retain the helmet shell on the wearer's head. The retention system may also be configured to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head when the fit system is removed from the helmet shell. Such an arrangement allows a wearer, if desired, to remove the fit system from the helmet without adversely impacting the ability to stabilize the helmet on the wearer's head.

The stability attributed to the retention system, particularly when the fit system is removed from the helmet, may be enhanced using a stabilizer configured to extend in a circumferential direction about and engage a rear portion of the wearer's head. The retention system may include a pair of rear strap segments attached to regions of the helmet shell which are spaced apart along a rear portion thereof. To further enhance the stability provided by the retention system, the stabilizer may couple the rear strap segments together at a location spaced away from the attachment regions of the helmet shell so as to restrict separation of the strap segments from each other.

The fit system may be configured to cooperate with the retention system to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head. The stabilizer of the retention system may include an occipital pad configured to be positioned adjacent the occipital region of the wearer's head. The occipital pad may couple the rear strap segments together to restrict separation of the strap segments from each other. The occipital pad may be detachably connectable to the fit system to selectively integrate the retention system with the fit system for stabilizing the helmet assembly on a wearer's head.

The fit system may include an adjustable fit band extending circumferentially about at least a portion of the helmet shell. The fit band may include a pair of free ends which are detachably coupled to third regions of the helmet shell located forward of the first regions of the helmet shell.

The adjustable fit band may include band segments adjustably coupled together for changing the length of the fit band. An adjuster may be provided for adjusting the band segments relative to each other. The length of the fit band may be adjusted by rotating the adjuster, although other adjuster configurations may be implemented with the fit system.

The fit band may include an occipital portion for positioning adjacent the occipital region of the wearer's head. The occipital portion of the fit band may be positionable between the occipital pad and the helmet shell. In this manner, the fit band may be adjusted to press and/or release the occipital pad against and/or from the wearer's head. The occipital portion of the fit band may be detachably connected to the occipital pad of the helmet shell.

The fit band may include one or more stabilizing arms for coupling the occipital portion to the helmet shell. The stabilizing arms may be adjustably coupled to the helmet shell for adjusting the position of the occipital portion of the fit band relative to the occipital region of the wearer's head.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a helmet assembly 20 may include a helmet shell 22, a retention system 24 for retaining the helmet on a wearer's head, and a fit system 26 for adjusting the fit and stabilizing the helmet on the wearer's head. In one embodiment, the fit system 26 may be detachably coupled to the helmet shell and the retention system 24 may be coupled to the helmet shell independent of the fit system. Such an arrangement permits a wearer to remove the fit system from the helmet shell, if desired, and use the retention system to retain and stabilize the helmet on the wearer's head. For example, use of the fit system for tightening and stabilizing the helmet on the head may be a personal preference for some wearers, while others may prefer to remove the fit system and rely on the retention system for stabilizing the helmet on one's head.

In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4-5, the retention system 24 may include a strap harness that is attachable inside the helmet shell. As shown, the strap harness may employ a 4-point attachment arrangement in which the harness is attached to the shell at four locations. Such an arrangement may provide better retention and stability as compared to a 2-point attachment arrangement.

The strap harness may include a pair of first strap segments 30, 32 and a pair of second strap segments 34, 36. As illustrated, the first strap segments 30, 32 may be attached to first regions 38, 40 of the helmet shell along the side portions thereof, and the second strap segments 34, 36 may be attached to second regions 42, 44 of the helmet shell along the rear portion thereof. As shown in FIG. 3, the first regions 38, 40 may be located toward a forward region of the helmet shell. For example, and without limitation, the first regions may be located on the helmet shell so that they are positioned forward of a wearer's ears and generally above the wearer's temple region when the helmet assembly is worn. The strap harness may be attached to the helmet shell using any suitable fasteners 46, such as screws or rivets, although other attachment techniques may be implemented as should be apparent to one of skill in the art.

As shown, a first end of each strap segment may be coupled to the helmet shell at the corresponding first and second regions of the shell. In one embodiment, each strap segment may be coupled to the helmet shell using a strap anchor 48 provided at the first end of each strap segment. The strap anchor 48 may be slidably connected to the strap segment with the strap anchor being attached to the shell. In this manner, each strap segment may be slid relative to its corresponding strap anchor to accommodate adjustments, such as length adjustments, to the strap harness. In this regard, the strap harness may include one or more adjustment devices 50 for tightening, loosening and locking the strap segments relative to the wearer's head. For example, and without limitation, the adjustment devices 50 may include lock/release components and/or adjustment clips. It is to be understood, however, that any suitable attachment and/or adjustment technique may be utilized for coupling and/or adjusting the strap harness relative to the helmet shell, as should be apparent to one of skill in the art.

Second ends of the first and second strap segments located on each side of the helmet shell may be coupled together at first and second junctions 52, 54. As illustrated, the first strap segments extend toward the second strap segments in a direction extending away from the helmet shell and converge at the junctions. The strap segments may be joined utilizing any suitable technique including, but not limited to, stitching and/or mechanical fasteners as should be apparent to one of skill in the art.

A chin strap 56 may be integrated with the strap harness to help retain and stabilize the helmet assembly on the wearer's head. In one embodiment, the chin strap 56 may be integrally formed by crossing and extending the first and second strap segments 30, 34 beyond the first junction 52, which forms one end of the chin strap, and rejoining the strap segments at a distance away from the first junction to form the opposite end of the chin strap.

A closure device 58 may be provided for locking and unlocking the chin strap. A first component of the closure device may be coupled to the second end of the chin strap and a second component of the closure, which is releasably connectable to the first component, may be coupled to the second junction 54. In one embodiment, the closure device 58 may include a side release buckle, although other suitable closure devices may be utilized as should be apparent to one of skill in the art.

The strap segments may be fabricated from any suitable material as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the strap segments may be formed from nylon strap webbing as is known in the art.

The retention system 24 may include a stabilizer 60 configured to extend in a circumferential direction about a rear portion of the wearer's head to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head when the fit system is removed from the helmet shell. In one embodiment, the stabilizer 60 couples the second strap segments 34, 36 together at a location spaced away from the second regions 42, 44 of the helmet shell to restrict separation of the second strap segments from each other.

As best shown in FIG. 15, the stabilizer 60 may be coupled to the second strap segments 34, 36 using a pair of loops 62 through which pass the strap segments. As illustrated, the loops may be spaced apart a distance that is less than the side-to-side distance between the first attachment regions 38, 40 and the side-to-side distance between the second attachment regions 42, 44 for the strap harness. This arrangement results in the second strap segments 34, 36 converging toward each other in a direction from the second attachment regions 42, 44 toward the stabilizer 60 and then diverging away from each other in a direction from the stabilizer toward the first attachment regions 38, 40. In this manner, the stabilizer 60 maintains the second strap segments in a desirable position behind the wearer's head to stabilize the helmet assembly on the wearer's head even without the use of the fit system.

In one embodiment, the stabilizer 60 may include an occipital pad that is configured to be positioned adjacent and engage the occipital region of the wearer's head. The occipital pad may be used to couple the second strap segments 34, 36 together to restrict their separation from each other. The occipital pad may be configured to be detachably connected to the fit system. In one embodiment, a fastener 63 may be located on a rearward facing surface of the occipital pad 60 for detachably connecting to a corresponding fastener on the fit system. As discussed further below, with this arrangement, the fit system may cooperate with the retention system to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head.

The occipital pad 60 may be fabricated from any material suitable for providing comfort and cushioning to the wearer's head from forces transmitted by retention and fit systems as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the occipital pad may be fabricated from a relatively soft, resilient foam or elastomeric material covered with a fabric material suitable for such applications.

In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the fit system 26 may include an adjustable fit band 64 that is configured to extend circumferentially about at least a portion of the interior of the helmet shell. As illustrated, the fit band 64 may be configured to extend about the rear portion of the helmet shell and forwardly along the sides of the shell where it terminates without extending about the entire helmet shell. However, it is to be appreciated that the fit band may be configured to extend completely about the circumference of the helmet shell.

In one embodiment, the fit band 64 may include an occipital portion 66 that is positionable adjacent the occipital region of the wearer's head when the helmet is being worn. The fit band 64 may include first and second band segments 68, 70 which extend in a lateral direction from the occipital portion 66 and terminate in free ends 72, 74 which are detachably coupled to the helmet shell to permit longitudinal adjustment and/or removal of the fit system. The fit band 64 may also include one or more stabilizing arms 76, 78 which extend in an upward direction from the occipital portion 66 and terminate in free ends 80, 82 which are detachably coupled to the helmet shell to permit vertical adjustment and/or removal of the fit system. In one embodiment, the fit band may include first and second stabilizing arms.

The fit band components may be fabricated from any suitable material as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the occipital portion, the stabilizing arms and the band segments may be molded from one or more plastic materials and configured to provide a desired blend of rigidity, flexibility and strength for the various components. For example, it may be desirable for the occipital portion to be relatively rigid, while the band segments and the stabilizing arms have more flexibility for changing shape as the position and/or size of the fit band is adjusted to suit the needs of a particular wearer.

For some applications, it may be desirable for the fit band to include padding for providing cushion and/or grip to the wearer's head. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a pad 84 may extend along the inner facing surface of each band segment 68, 70. Each pad 84 may include a plurality of raised connectors 86 having shapes that correspond to openings 88 provided in the band segment. The pad 84 may be coupled to the band segment by pressing the connectors 86 through the openings 88 in the band segment. However, it is to be appreciated that any suitable connection arrangement may be employed to couple the padding to the band segments as should be apparent to one of skill in the art.

The band segment padding may be fabricated from any suitable material which provides cushioning and/or gripping properties as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the padding may be molded from a relatively soft, resilient elastomeric material.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the free ends 72, 74 of the band segments 68, 70 may be detachably coupled to third regions 90 of the helmet shell located forward of the first regions 38, 40 of the helmet shell. In one embodiment, one or more fasteners 92 may be provided adjacent the free ends and along the third regions of the helmet shell. In one embodiment, the fasteners may include, but are not limited to, a plurality of posts 92 that protrude from the outer facing surface of the band segments and plurality of corresponding receptacles 94 provided along the third regions of the shell for receiving the posts in a snap-fit arrangement. If desired, the number of receptacles 94 may exceed the number of posts 92 so that the position of the free ends of the fit band may be longitudinally adjusted relative to the shell. In one embodiment, the helmet shell may include three receptacles 94 for receiving a pair of posts 92 which permits the free ends of the fit band to be adjusted to either of two positions. This arrangement permits the occipital portion 66 of the fit band to be moved forward and/or rearward relative to the rear of the helmet shell for longitudinally adjusting the position of the occipital portion 66 relative to the occipital region of the wearer's head when the helmet is being worn.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the free ends 80, 82 of the stabilizing arms 76, 78 may be detachably coupled to fourth regions 96 of the helmet shell located along a top portion of the helmet shell and between the first and second regions of the helmet shell. In one embodiment, a fastener 98 may be provided adjacent the free end of each stabilizing arm and along the fourth regions of the helmet shell. In one embodiment, the fastener may include, but is not limited to, a post 98 (FIG. 6) which protrudes from the outer facing surface of the stabilizing arm and cooperates with each of a plurality of corresponding receptacles 100 provided along the fourth regions of the shell in a snap-fit arrangement. As illustrated, the number of receptacles 100 may exceed the number of posts 98 so that the position of the free ends of the stabilizing arms may be adjusted relative to the shell. In one embodiment, the helmet shell may include three receptacles 100 in each of the fourth regions 96 for receiving the corresponding post 98 which permits the free ends 80, 82 of the stabilizing arms to be adjusted to any one of three positions. This arrangement permits the occipital portion 66 of the fit band 64 to be raised and lowered relative to the rear lower edge of the helmet shell for vertically adjusting the position of the occipital portion 66 relative to the occipital region of the wearer's head when the helmet is being worn.

The first and second band segments 68, 70 may be adjustably coupled together in a manner to permit adjustment of the length of the fit band 64. As is to be appreciated, shortening the fit band results in tightening the fit band about a wearer's head, while lengthening the fit band results in loosening the fit band.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 9-11, a fit band adjuster 102 may be provided to adjust the first and second band segments 68, 70 relative to each other in a manner that results in adjusting the length of the fit band. The adjuster may include a rotatable knob 104 which is coupled to a pinion 106 for adjusting the first and second band segments in response to rotation of the knob.

The occipital portion 66 of the fit band may include a housing 108 for slidably receiving end portions of the band segments. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, each end portion of the band segments may include a rack of teeth 110, 112 which are configured to cooperate with the pinion 106 for driving each band segment into and out of the housing in response to rotation of the pinion by the knob. As illustrated, the first band segment 68 may include a rack of teeth 110 extending along a lower portion of an elongated slot 114 and the second band segment 70 may include a rack of teeth 112 extending along an upper portion of an elongated slot 116. The end portions may be positioned in the housing 108 in a slidable overlapping arrangement. A cover 118 may be secured over the end portions of the band segments.

The pinion 106 may include a plurality of teeth 120 which extend through an opening in the housing 108 to engage the upper and lower racks of teeth 110, 112, as shown in FIG. 11. Rotation of the pinion 106 drives the racks of teeth which in turn causes the band segments to slide in and/or out of the housing.

As shown in FIG. 10, the pinion 106 may be rotatably supported along a shaft 122 extending in an axial direction from the knob 104. The knob may include one or more drive pins 124 extending in the axial direction to engage one or more holes 126 provided on a drive portion 128 of the pinion so that rotation of the knob is transmitted to the pinion via the drive pin or pins. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the drive portion 128 of the pinion may be received in a recess 130 provided on the outer facing surface of the occipital portion 66 of the fit band. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the knob 104 and pinion 106 may be secured to the housing 108 using a fastener 132, such as a snap ring or washer, which engages the distal end of the shaft 122 adjacent the external surface of the cover 118.

For some applications, it may be desirable to reduce the incidence of the fit band being inadvertently loosened on a wearer's head. In one embodiment, the fit band 64 may include a locking arrangement which permits the fit band to be readily tightened by rotating the knob in one direction (e.g., clockwise) while preventing the fit band from easily loosening until the wearer purposely applies sufficient force to rotate the knob in the opposite direction (e.g., counter-clockwise).

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the drive portion 128 of the pinion 106 may include one or more resilient arms 134 which are biased in an outward radial direction to engage circumferential teeth 136 provided along the outer periphery of the recess 130 which receives the drive portion. The resilient arms 134 may be configured so that they deflect inwardly and ride along the teeth 136 as the pinion 106 is rotated by the knob 104 in a tightening direction, but expand outwardly to securely engage the teeth 136 to prevent inadvertent loosening of the fit band when the wearer discontinues rotating the knob. The arms 134 may be configured to release engagement from the teeth 136 in response to applying a predetermined amount of force by rotating the knob 104 in a loosening direction. For example, the arms and/or the teeth may include one or more surfaces configured to coact with a cam-like or ratchet-like arrangement. However, any suitable locking arrangement, if desired, may be employed with the fit band as should be apparent to one of skill in the art.

As indicated above, for some applications, it may be desirable to detachably connect the retention system to the fit system at the rear portion of the helmet adjacent the occipital region of a wearer's head for stabilizing the helmet. As described above, a fastener 63 may be located on a rearward facing surface of the occipital pad 60. A corresponding fastener may be provided on the fit band. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a fastener 140 for connecting with the fastener 63 on the occipital pad 60 may be provided on a forward facing surface of the cover 118 of the adjuster housing 108 along the occipital portion of the fit band. When connected, the occipital pad may be adjusted and maintained in a desired position relative to the occipital region of the wearer's head by the fit system.

For example, and without limitation, the fasteners 63, 140 may include a touch fastener, such as VELCRO®, which securely connect the occipital pad to the occipital portion of the fit band while permitting separation of the pad from the fit band when desired. As should be appreciated, one of the fasteners 63, 140 may be a hook-type fastener and the other of the fasteners may be a loop-like fastener. It is also to be understood that other detachable connecting arrangements between the retention system and the fit band may be employed as should be apparent to one of skill in the art.

The helmet shell may include one or more features which are conducive for employing the helmet assembly in one or more a particular applications. For example, and without limitation, it may be desirable to provide a military combat helmet with features that permit attachment of accessories to the helmet.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the helmet assembly 20 may include a front mount 150 which is suitable for attaching various accessories, such as a visor and/or night vision goggles, to the helmet. The helmet may include side mounts 152 for attaching accessories, such as a mandible guard, to the helmet. The helmet assembly may be provided with one or more touch fasteners 154, such as VELCRO fasteners, to which various accessories, such as an illuminator, camera, video recorder, laser pointer, communications device, or identification friend or foe (IFF) device, may be attached. In one embodiment, the helmet assembly may include a plurality of loop-type fasteners 154 selectively positioned across the surface of the helmet shell to which accessories with corresponding hook-type fasteners may be attached.

Attaching accessories could create an imbalance of the helmet on a wearer's head and potentially lead to undesirable movement (e.g., bounce, rotation, pitch, and yaw) of the helmet during operational maneuvers. The impact of such imbalances on undesirable movement may be reduced using retention and fit systems, such as described above, to retain and stabilize the helmet on the wearer's head.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, the helmet shell may include a plurality of vent openings 156 to help reduce the temperature inside the helmet about the wearer's head. It is to be understood, however, that ventilation openings are not required, and for some applications, such as ballistic protection, may not be desired.

The helmet shell may be fabricated from any suitable material for a particular application as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the shell may be fabricated from ballistic material for military combat applications. For non-ballistic protection, the helmet shell may be fabricated from plastic and/or composite materials as should be apparent to one of skill.

In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the helmet assembly 20 may include an impact liner 160 located within the helmet shell for absorbing impact forces delivered to the shell. To facilitate fabrication and assembly, the impact liner may include multiple liner sections that are separately attached to the shell. In one embodiment, the impact liner 160 may include a front impact liner 162, a middle impact liner 164 and a rear impact liner 166. The impact liner may include one or more features for accommodating aspects of the helmet assembly. For example, the impact liner may include, but is not limited to, ventilation openings for aligning with similar openings in the shell, recesses or through openings for accommodating mounting fasteners for securing the retention system and accessory mounts to the shell.

The impact liner 160 may be fabricated from any material suitable for absorbing high impact forces delivered to the helmet shell as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the impact liner may be molded from a high density foam material.

The impact liner may be attached to the shell using any suitable fastening technique as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For certain applications, the impact liner may be permanently attached to the shell. For other applications, it may be desirable for the impact liner to be detachable from the shell to permit replacement of the impact liner or sections of the liner. For example, and without limitation, the impact liner sections may be secured to the shell using an adhesive and/or fasteners, such as screws, rivets, hook-and-loop or other touch fasteners.

In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, the helmet assembly 20 may include a comfort liner 170 positioned within the impact liner 160 for cushioning the wearer's head from impact forces absorbed by the impact liner. The comfort liner may also assist with retention and/or stabilization of the helmet assembly in conjunction with the retention and fit systems. To facilitate fabrication and assembly, the comfort liner may include multiple comfort pads that are separately attachable to the impact liner shell. In one embodiment, the comfort liner 170 may include a front comfort pad 172, a pair of middle comfort pads 174, 176, and a rear comfort pad 178. The comfort liner may include one or more features, such as openings for accommodating aspects of the helmet assembly.

The comfort liner 170 may be fabricated from any material suitable for cushioning the wearer's head from impact forces absorbed by the impact liner as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. For example, and without limitation, the comfort liner may be fabricated from a relatively soft, resilient foam or elastomeric material covered with a fabric material suitable for such applications.

The comfort liner may be attached to the shell using any suitable fastening technique as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. The comfort liner may be detachably attached to the shell to permit replacement of the comfort liner or selected comfort pads. For example, and without limitation, the comfort pads may be secured to the impact liner using hook-and-loop fasteners, such as VELCRO, or other touch fasteners, although other detachable fastening arrangements are contemplated.

A representative embodiment of the helmet assembly and a representative procedure for removing the fit system is now described.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the fit system 26 is secured in within the helmet shell. As shown, the occipital portion 66 of the fit system is located between the occipital pad 60 of the retention system 24 and the rear portion of the helmet shell 22 with the occipital pad 60 attached to the occipital portion 66 of the fit band. The free ends 72, 74 of the band segments 68, 70 and the free ends 80, 82 of the stabilizing arms 76, 78 of the fit band are selectively attached to the third and fourth regions of the helmet shell to adjust the location of the occipital portion 66 in a desired position relative to the wearer's head. With this arrangement, adjustment of the fit system causes the occipital pad 60 to be moved up or down and/or toward or away from the occipital region of the wearer's head to provide a level of fit, stabilization and/or retention as may be desired by the wearer.

When a wearer prefers to wear the helmet assembly without a fit system, the fit band may be removed from the helmet shell. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the occipital pad 60 is detached from the fit band 64, and the free ends 72, 74 of the strap band segments and the free ends 80, 82 of the stabilizing arms 76, 78 of the fit band are detached from the helmet shell. With the fit band 64 detached from the various components of the helmet, the fit band can be removed from the helmet shell, as shown in FIG. 14.

With the fit system 26 removed from the helmet assembly as shown in FIG. 15, the strap harness may be adjusted, as necessary or desired, to position the occipital pad 60 against the wearer's head for stabilizing the helmet assembly on the head. The occipital pad 60 also contributes to the stability of the helmet assembly by restricting separation of the second strap segments 34, 36 away from each other.

For purposes of this patent application and any patent issuing thereon, the indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and/or variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

The foregoing description of various embodiments are intended merely to be illustrative thereof and that other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents are within the scope of the invention recited in the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A helmet assembly comprising: a helmet shell; a fit system detachably coupled to the helmet shell, the fit system configured to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head; and a retention system coupled to the helmet shell independent of the fit system, the retention system being configured to retain the helmet shell on the wearer's head, the retention system including a stabilizer configured to extend in a circumferential direction about a rear portion of the wearer's head to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head when the fit system is removed from the helmet shell.
 2. The helmet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the retention system includes a pair of first strap segments and a pair of second strap segments, the first strap segments attached to first regions of the helmet shell along opposite side portions thereof, the second strap segments attached to second regions of the helmet shell which are spaced apart along a rear portion thereof, the stabilizer coupling the second strap segments together at a location spaced away from the second regions of the helmet shell to restrict separation of the second strap segments from each other.
 3. The helmet assembly according to claim 2, wherein each of the first and second strap segments includes a first end and a second end, the first ends of the first and second strap segments being attached to the helmet shell, the second strap segments being coupled together at a location between the first and second ends thereof.
 4. The helmet assembly according to claim 3, wherein the second ends of the first and second strap segments located on one side of the helmet shell are coupled together and the second ends of the first and second strap segments located on an opposite side of the helmet shell are coupled together.
 5. The helmet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fit system is configured to cooperate with the retention system to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head.
 6. The helmet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the stabilizer of the retention system includes an occipital pad configured to be positioned adjacent the occipital region of the wearer's head.
 7. The helmet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the occipital pad couples the second strap segments together to restrict separation of the second strap segments from each other.
 8. The helmet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the occipital pad is detachably connectable to the fit system.
 9. The helmet assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fit system includes an adjustable fit band extending circumferentially about at least a portion of the helmet shell.
 10. The helmet assembly according to claim 9, wherein the fit band includes a pair of free ends which are detachably coupled to the helmet shell.
 11. The helmet assembly according to claim 10, wherein the retention system is attached to first regions of the helmet shell along opposite side portions thereof and to second regions of the helmet shell which are spaced apart along a rear portion thereof, the free ends of the fit band being detachably coupled to third regions of the helmet shell located forward of the first regions of the helmet shell.
 12. The helmet assembly according to claim 9, wherein the adjustable fit band includes a first band segment and a second band segment adjustably coupled together so as to permit adjustment of the length of the fit band.
 13. The helmet assembly according to claim 12, wherein the fit band includes an adjuster configured to adjust the first and second band members relative to each other.
 14. The helmet assembly according to claim 13, wherein the adjuster is rotatable to adjust the first and second band members.
 15. The helmet assembly according to claim 9, wherein the fit band includes an occipital portion that is configured to be positioned adjacent the occipital region of the wearer's head.
 16. The helmet assembly according to claim 15, wherein the retention system includes an occipital pad configured to be positioned adjacent the occipital region of the wearer's head, the occipital portion of the fit band being positionable between the occipital pad and the helmet shell.
 17. The helmet assembly according to claim 16, wherein the occipital portion of the fit band is detachably connectable to the occipital pad of the helmet shell.
 18. The helmet assembly according to claim 9, wherein the fit band includes at least one stabilizing arm to couple the occipital portion to the helmet shell.
 19. The helmet assembly according to claim 18, wherein the stabilizing arm is configured to be adjustably coupled to the helmet shell to adjust the position of the occipital portion of the fit band relative to the occipital region of the wearer's head.
 20. The helmet assembly according to claim 18, wherein the at least one stabilizing arm includes a pair of stabilizing arms adjustably coupled to the helmet shell.
 21. A method of adjusting a helmet assembly to a wearer's head, the helmet assembly including a helmet shell, a fit system detachably coupled to the helmet shell, and a retention system coupled to the helmet shell independent of the fit system, the fit system configured to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head, the retention system configured to retain the helmet shell on the wearer's head, the retention system including a stabilizer configured to extend in a circumferential direction about a rear portion of the wearer's head to stabilize the helmet shell on the wearer's head when the fit system is removed from the helmet shell, the method comprising acts of: (a) removing the fit system from the helmet shell; and (b) wearing the helmet assembly without the fit system.
 22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the retention system includes a pair of first strap segments and a pair of second strap segments, the first strap segments being attached to first regions of the helmet shell along opposite side portions thereof, the second strap segments being attached to second regions of the helmet shell which are spaced apart along a rear portion thereof, the stabilizer coupling the second strap segments together at a location spaced away from the second regions of the helmet shell to restrict separation of the second strap segments from each other.
 23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the stabilizer of the retention system includes an occipital pad, and act (b) includes positioning the occipital pad adjacent the occipital region of the wearer's head.
 24. The method assembly according to claim 23, wherein act (b) includes stabilizing the helmet shell on the wearer's head at least in part using the occipital pad.
 25. The method assembly according to claim 23, wherein act (b) includes adjusting the retention system so as to retain and stabilize the helmet assembly on the wearer's head. 